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British and Irish Lions second 2013 invitational opponent name squad

lionsrugby.com, rugby.com.au and James Mortimer 26 May 2013 Getty Images

It looks like the British & Irish Lions will get a tough work out in Newcastle on Tuesday, 11 June ahead of their clash with the Waratahs after Combined Country coach Cameron Blades selected 18 Investec Super Rugby players in his initial squad.

Blades named a 43-man preliminary squad today that also contains seven NSW Country, seven Queensland County and 11 Premier Club players. The final matchday 23 will be announced on Friday, 31 May, with the squad coming into camp in Newcastle on Thursday, 6 June.

Brumbies players Tom Cox and Fotu Auelua both played in the midweek fixture against Wales last summer and a number of others have been Super Rugby regulars in their respective teams this season.

"The final make-up of the side will rely on a number of factors. We'll look at form and fitness and in the case of the Super Rugby players we'll be reliant upon their franchises agreeing to release them for this match," said Blades.

"We've done a lot of work with ARU and the Super Rugby sides over the last few months and we are aware that some of the guys that would be considered may ultimately not be available.

"There are still Super Rugby matches occurring right up until the Sunday before our match, so we completely understand if a Franchise requires their players to be available for their campaign.

"Our goal is to put the strongest 23-man squad together to face the Lions and ultimately we'd like as many of the Super Rugby players named today to be able to be considered for final selection. It is an ongoing process and we'll continue to work closely with the Super Rugby sides."